Uptown Kingston launches beautification effort

Flowers have been added to planters in Uptown Kingston. (Freeman photo by Tania Barricklo)

KINGSTON, N.Y. -- A beautification effort billed "Uptown Proud" has been launched in an effort to promote the municipality's historic district and keep it clean.

The effort was announced Monday by the Kingston Uptown Business Association. The group is leading "Uptown Proud," which began with the purchasing of flowers and putting them in planters on Wall and North Front streets a week ago.

"This ongoing effort is to gain the commitment of Uptown businesses and building owners to display pride in the presentation of buildings and the immediate surrounding area," according to a press release from the Kingston Uptown Business Association. "KUBA will be looking for opportunities to beautify common areas that improve the streetscape. The goal is to raise consciousness about community appearance."

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Julie Jordan, who is chairwoman of the Uptown Proud Committee, said the effort is a volunteer one aimed at spurring a commitment to the idea of beautification. Jordan represents Kingston Plaza and Herzog's Home Center.

"We hope that, over time, people will join us and it will become contagious," Jordan said Monday.

Soon, Jordan said, the Kingston Uptown Business Association will be distributing colorful brooms for business owners to clean their sidewalks. Additionally, the group expects to pass around stickers with the Uptown Proud logo for store owners to place on their doors and windows to pledge their support.

Meanwhile, the Kingston Uptown Business Association has also launched a fundraising drive to collect money for holiday lights. They have raised $6,000 so far, but need $20,000 in all for the lights, Jordan

Alderman Thomas Hoffay, D-Ward 2, who represents the Uptown neighborhood, said the Uptown Proud push is an admirable one.

"Uptown has really come back over the past four years," Hoffay said. "This (Uptown Proud) is a great sign of the renewed energy."

"We can only make a first impression once to the visitors of our city," the KUBA press release says." "KUBA is committed to helping the Uptown businesses make it the best it can be.